In my quest to find a easy way to rid my comp of WGA, I looked in Downloaded Program Files.
(As opposed to these complicated lenghty instructions.) http://support.microsoft.com/kb/921914

Windows Genuine Advantage Validation Tool is located in C:\WINDOWS\Downloaded Program Files.
When right clicking on it, there is an option to "Remove" .
Dare I try it?? lol Will it even work? Points to ponder.
Since I was still not quite sure, I created a restore point. Then googled for some info.

Hmm... look what I found. Straight from [Ha!] almighty M$ theirselves.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Windows Validation Assistant:
http://www.microsoft.com/resources/howtote...dation_faq.mspx


It can not be removed via start > control panel > add/remove
(BTW The only thing that can not be uninstalled from there!)
or disabled in IE > tools > Manage add-ons.
Not on my system anyway even though it states in the dialog box:
"This add-on in managed by your Administrator"
Nonsense, I am in the administrator account!



LegitCheckControl.dll is also in the WGA folder in Downloaded Program Files
The right click option for it is "delete" Wondering if it would delete too...

Do any of you real techs (lol) have any thoughts on this?
Could doing so screw up my comp?
After all the info. is on Micro$oft.con oh I mean .com
If it would mess things up, would a sys. restore put things back in order?
Perhaps a reg backup should be made too??
Should I go for it?

Im not sure the policys of this forum on such matters so probably best to buy a real copy of windows xp

Whoa...if it works, please let me know!! I don't want this cruddy program on my lappy!!!

baronvongogo, you may not know why those of us with legit copies of Win XP want this program gone. Read, and be angered:

WGA Check-ins

Microsoft admits WGA mess-up

Microsoft sued over WGA

There you go. That's why we want it gone!!!!

I agree with you but some forums have rules about discussing the removal of the WGA.

Hello baronvongogo

I own a genuine copy of XP. I just wanted to make that clear. I wouldn't want anyone to think differently.

@rms4evr Well I have not tried it yet. lol A bit afraid what may happen if I did.

If there were rules about discussing the removal of the WGA on this site, I don't think a Moderator would have brought it up.

Thanks TG for defending my honor.

Ok all I removed Windows Genuine Advantage Validation Tool from
Downloaded Program Files. Just as M$ instructed. Funny thing is that
it did not go to the recycle bin as I thought it would. *Shrug
Now hmm... should I go after LegitCheckControl.dll or no?
As much as I would love to, I think I will leave it be for now.


Before doing so I installed Microsoft July security updates.

I had a choice as to whether or not I wanted to install Genuine Advantage
and the Malicious Software Removal Tool. Which I opted out of both. ;)
I had them hidden as well.
They were again listed as "High Priority" updates. Go figure.

Now after I ran a second scan to see what would show.



Interesting that they continue to rate it as a high priority update.


As a reminder to all
Microsoft security updates for July 2006
Published: July 11, 2006
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/u...ins/200607.mspx

http://yanowhiz.googlepages.com/windowsgenuineadvantage

On there, is a link to a file which will remove the WGA. You will have to restart after using it. Also there are a list of what Windows calls home with and how to still get Windows Updates after removing the WGA.

I blogged about further results in my experiment here